Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

We have told you in the 5. Chapter, why the Prophet composed these and the like songs in verse; to wit, that every one might the better remember them by daily recording of them. Although they wept then in Babylon, and were almost overwhelmed with sorrow, as these words show, How shall we sing the Lords song in a strange land?¹ yet they were to hope, that after their return into Judea, they should give thanks to the Lord, and sing forth his praises. The Prophet therefore shows them their deliverance a far off, that they might cheerfully wait for it.

We haue told you in the 5. Chapter, why the Prophet composed these and the like songs in verse; to wit, that euery one might the better remember them by daily recording of them. Although they wept then in Babylon, and were almost ouerwhelmed with sorrow, as these words shew, How shall wee sing the Lords song in a strange land?¹ yet they were to hope, that after their returne into Iudea, they should giue thanks to the Lord, and sing forth his praises. The Prophet therefore shewes them their deliuerance a farre off, that they might cheerefully wait for it.

1. 1Psal. 137.4.

A strong City.] By these words the Prophet promiseth an ample and full restoration of Jerusalem, and of the people. How so? God will not only redeem the captives, and gather together the dispersed, but he will also keep them safe and sound, after he hath brought them home. But the faithful notwithstanding forthwith saw the destruction both of the City and Temple:¹ and being come home, they could perceive nothing but those fearful ruins which Isaiah had foretold. It was needful then that they should behold this restoration of Jerusalem by the eye of faith, as from an high beacon or turret.